Modification of ZSM-5 mesoporosity and application as catalyst support in hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene: Experimental and DFT studies

The hydrodesulfurization (HDS) efficiency of NiMoS supported on modified H-ZSM-5 was investigated. The support modification was achieved via desilication (DS) in 3 – 5 M NaOH solution for 0.5 – 1 h, at 65 °C. The desilication of H-ZSM-5 increased both its mesoporosity and external surface area. The catalysts acidity and active phase formation and dispersion were influenced by the desilication of the zeolite supports. The NM/B-Z_1/2 catalyst shows better HDS performance with dibenzothiophene (DBT) conversion of 87% after 4 h of reaction, while the catalyst formed from pristine ZSM-5 support (NM/Z) recorded the least DBT conversion of 38%. The DFT simulation energetics revealed that the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) process proceeded via the direct desulfurization (DDS) pathway in good correlation with the experimental findings. Extensive characterization techniques were adopted to gain insight into the physico-chemical properties of the support and the catalysts. Surface area and porosity analyzer was used for textural properties information of both the support and the catalyst.